Summary The incumbent is responsible for design, development and implementation of a comprehensive healthcare facility (HCF) Biomedical Engineering Program at the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System. The Program consists of managerial, administrative, and engineering elements. Responsibilities Healthcare Clinical Engineering, Project Management, Medical Networking experience preferred. The incumbent conceives, plans, and conducts investigative and developmental work in areas where the interface of engineering to medicine and biology may prove beneficial to the Healthcare Facility. The incumbent is responsible for developing a cohesive engineering expertise unique to the HCF's clinical environment and requirements. The incumbent provides expert advice, consultation and guidance in biomedical engineering matters for all HCF professional and administrative services and management. The incumbent is a key member of engineering staff, having authority to accomplish assignments affecting health care throughout the HCF. Incumbent defines requirements and specifications of medical systems, configures new systems to meet the requirements for medical/surgical services using state of the art equipment and components, and specifies modifications to existing complex devices and systems for the unique requirements of this Medical Center. As Clinical Engineer (CE), the incumbent is responsible for planning and directing Biomedical Engineering Support Specialist (BESS) activities. The BESS shop is housed in a large, modern facility, equipped with sophisticated test equipment. The incumbent assists in establishing policies, material and manpower requirements for the efficient, cost effective operation of the BESS shop. The incumbent is responsible to the Chief Biomedical Engineer. CE is responsible for reports and administrative matters involving the BESS section. The incumbent has fiscal responsibility for preparing all medical equipment maintenance and repair budgets. Proper and effective utilization of resources is critical for the most efficient and cost-effective methods of equipment maintenance and repair. The incumbent has responsibility for planning maintenance and repair (M & R) on all medical equipment and for determining preventive maintenance, electrical safety testing and calibration frequencies. Based on in-house capabilities, equipment usage, and cost analysis, the incumbent determines how equipment will be maintained, i.e. by service contract or by in-house technicians. The incumbent monitors equipment warranties and all service contracts. The incumbent is responsible for monitoring published hazard reports and device warnings and for investigating any device related incident occurring in the HCF. The primary goal of the Biomedical Engineering Program is to provide the safest possible environment for patients and staff. The incumbent is responsible for planning, organizing and presenting educational and training classes on such topics as instruction, electronic theory and electrical safety. The incumbent provides instruction as needed for staff physicians, administration, research investigators, nursing, BESSs and engineering personnel. The incumbent is a member of HCF wide committees where engineering and technical input requiring biomedical engineering expertise is essential for committee functioning. The incumbent acts as expert technical advisor to Logistics, Medical, Surgical, Nursing, and other services in developing and reviewing specifications of new systems and equipment and makes recommendations regarding their selection and acceptance. The incumbent determines and recommends the placement into service, removal from service, or resumption of service of all equipment and systems. The incumbent is assigned and has shared responsibility for training of TCF Biomedical Engineering Interns and BESS. The incumbent is expected to be available as a resource to Biomedical Engineering in the VISN in such matters as electrical safety, technical issues, standards review, policy review, and medical technology. The incumbent is expected to be active in professional activities such as the development of medical device standards. The incumbent will work with Biomedical Engineering leadership at other HCFs by referral from the VISN Biomedical Engineer. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring HCF compliance with Joint Commission standards relating to biomedical engineering. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating the installation of new medical equipment and systems at the HCF. Work Schedule: 8:00a-4:30p Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education and/or Experience. [The individual must meet either item (1) or (2) below to meet this requirement: (1) Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Engineering. To be creditable, the curriculum must be from a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), as a professional engineering curriculum. Examples of acceptable engineering degrees include: Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Biochemical Engineering. Titles may vary from educational institutions and change over time. OR, (2) Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) and a bachelor's degree not listed in item 3.b.(1) above. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations :In addition to the basic requirements for employment the following education and experience criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Biomedical Engineer GS-7 (Entry Level)Experience. [None beyond the basic requirements. Education. Bachelor's degree or CCE certification with at least a bachelor's degree. Biomedical Engineer, GS-9Experience. At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level. OR, Education: Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of study. OR, Bachelor's degree plus two full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study, provided the applicant's total background demonstrates the KSAs for the GS-9 level assignment. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs Knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of the Biomedical Engineering profession. Ability to interpret relevant codes, regulations, guidelines, and standards, and make recommendations to ensure compliance with medical center programs. Ability to understand the operational needs of clinical services in the health care system. Ability to prepare material on current technical topics and trends, for presentation to other technical staff and mid-level hospital management, and the ability to keep abreast of changes in technology. Biomedical Engineer, GS-11 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower level, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. OR, Education: Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of engineering. OR, Bachelor's degree, plus three full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to implement and/or sustain an equipment management or biomedical research program that meets The Joint Commission (TJC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), or other applicable regulatory requirements. Ability to develop material for a continuing education program for clinical or research staff, that address the principles and application of medical technology, and/or biomedical theory used in healthcare. Ability to advise staff on emerging medical technology, or research procedures, while keeping abreast of changes in such technology, and utilizing the information to solve biomedical engineering problems. Knowledge of basic project management principles, as applied to the healthcare setting and medical equipment, and information system implementation. Biomedical Engineer, GS-12 (Full Performance Level)Experience. Completion of at least [one] year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level; or completion of a post-doctoral research fellowship in the field of biomedical engineering, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to conduct a medical equipment management [or biomedical research program that is compliant with applicable healthcare standards and regulatory agencies. Ability to develop a curriculum for a continuing education program, that address the safe and effective use of medical technology, and/or research devices. Ability to manage a recall and safety alert program for medical devices, including medical device hazard investigations, to assure compliance with patient safety goals, SMDA, and TJC requirements. Ability to conduct capital asset and infrastructure planning for medical equipment spanning initial concept, installation, and effective implementation of complex medical equipment. Ability to function as the subject matter expert in the field of biomedical engineering, directly supporting specialized clinical technology, including service, system administration, training, quality assurance, and life-cycle management. Ability to effectively advise clinical and administrative staff on medical technology, including existing and emerging technology, which addresses viability, long-term suitability, compatibility, and/or safety. Knowledge of concepts related to computer based medical systems, networking protocols, and information security as it applies to medical technology within VHA. Skill in communicating and working collaboratively with key stakeholders, including technical and professional staff at various levels of the organization. Ability to apply project management principles to deployment of medical equipment and health information technologies. References: VA Handbook 5005/130, Part II, Appendix G38 - Biomedical Engineer Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-12.Physical Requirements: Work involves standing, walking, stooping, bending, climbing stairs, and frequently working in cramped spaces for prolonged periods. The employee continually lifts from 10 to 40 pounds and occasionally objects weighing in excess of 40 pounds. The work also involves coping with complex, persistent demands from a variety of sources that can be regarded as a high pressure environment. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional Information This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
